Update: This story has been updated to include information provided in a follow-up with Superintendent Coy Samons. The updated information is included at the end.
A Murray Middle School teacher is suspended for the remainder of the calendar year due to alleged “circumstances” involving a student.
Music teacher Charles Haney was suspended with pay on November 20 for 10 working days and the suspension was extended on December 3 for an additional 15 working days beginning December 7.
WKMS News obtained, in a records request, suspension letters by Superintendent Coy Samons to Haney. Samons wrote the suspension was due to “circumstances alleged to have occurred” involving Haney and a student. The extension was due to circumstances requiring further investigation.
Samons told WKMS News any further documentation is preliminary and exempt from disclosure.
Cassie Trueblood of the Kentucky Office of Educator Licensure and Effectiveness said the Education Ethics Standards Board does not have a pending case involving Haney.
County Attorney Bryan Ernstberger said he reviewed with a school resource officer the results of a preliminary investigation and found nothing that constitutes criminal conduct. He added that anytime there is an ongoing investigation there’s the possibility for new findings.
Haney has taught at the school since 1994. He has not responded to a request for comment.
Murray High School teacher Jason Shelby resigned in October following suspensions due to his alleged behavior involving students. The EPSB said the Shelby case is still pending.
Friday Update:
Responding to follow-up questions from WKMS News, Samons provided letters he has sent to the EPSB notifying the agency of the suspensions. These letters inform Associate Commissioner Rob Akers that Haney has been suspended upon receiving information from the Murray Middle School administration regarding "potential misconduct."
Samons wrote law enforcement was also notified and there is no active investigation on their part. He said prosecution was declined.
Samons also wrote there are some documents in Haney's personnel file "reflecting past events that will likely be considered in determining what final action will be taken in the event the results of the current investigation establish misconduct and result in disciplinary action.” Since these documents are part of the current district investigation, he explained, they - along with other potential documents such as correspondence - are exempt from disclosure until a final action is made.
